Did I kill these?

Did a big clean out job for a customer this week. There were several HUGE mophead hydrangeas that were terribly overgrown. Most of the plant was laying on the ground. Looks like they've never been pruned before. She wanted them pulled out so we could remove the old mulch, edge and install stone. I suggested to cut them way back rather than yanking them out and told her this might kill them (but we were going to kill them anyway). So we cut them way down, pretty much left 1-2' of the woody stem on them. No flowers or leaves left. I pretty much had to cut them down far enough to where it was just like cutting an ornamental grass down in the fall. Any less cutting and we couldn't get the mulch out and put new stone in. These things were a real mess. I read that if you prune these in the fall, they might not bloom the following summer. That isn't much of a concern in this case. I'm just wondering if they'll survive and grow back or if they're shot. This is in the NE and they were red flowers if that matters.

sweeeeeeet. I don't do much "landscaping" mainly mowing and grunt work. Don't know much about plants really. Now I get to look like a supastar woot woot!!! Wish I would have had time to research this properly before doing it but that wasn't much of an option here.

sweeeeeeet. I don't do much "landscaping" mainly mowing and grunt work. Don't know much about plants really. Now I get to look like a supastar woot woot!!! Wish I would have had time to research this properly before doing it but that wasn't much of an option here.
Thanks for the replies guys.

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If your unsure on how to care for the things your being paid to tend to, I'd strongly advise some type of plant Identification book or phone app that deals with your area. Having info like that readily available could save you money and your reputation while freeing your mind from the constant worry and second guessing....
If you make it a point to learn the names, fert requirements, water needs and pruning recommendations for the most common local landscape plants, not only will your yards look better, but you'll sound much more educated to your clients and be able to step in to higher end properties. Just learn one a day, or a flower, a shrub and a tree every week.Posted via Mobile Device

If your unsure on how to care for the things your being paid to tend to, I'd strongly advise some type of plant Identification book or phone app that deals with your area. Having info like that readily available could save you money and your reputation while freeing your mind from the constant worry and second guessing....
If you make it a point to learn the names, fert requirements, water needs and pruning recommendations for the most common local landscape plants, not only will your yards look better, but you'll sound much more educated to your clients and be able to step in to higher end properties. Just learn one a day, or a flower, a shrub and a tree every week.Posted via Mobile Device

Its hard to say, because I'm on the other coast. I'd start with Local nurseries, and fertilizer/chem suppliers. I'd bet if they didn't have it, they could steer you in the right direction.Posted via Mobile Device